Rob Howley has already announced he'll keep the armband in an unchanged side to face Italy next weekend - meaning Warburton will be on the bench at best.

"Rob has spoken to Sam", McBryde said. "He is certainly in a positive mood and he is taking everything in his step, as you would expect somebody of Sam's standing and maturity to do. He is the utmost professional."

In terms of his fitness, the Blues flanker is working on a one-to-one basis with the medical team in the gym, and will be put through his paces fully tomorrow or on Saturday.

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Interim Wales coach Rob Howley has confirmed he'll keep the same starting line-up from last weekend's winning match against France when Wales take on Italy on February 23rd.

"On the back of the performance at the weekend, we have decided to reward the players who took to the field and the same XV who started in Paris will start against Italy," said Howley.

"It's a reward for their performance. We talked about attitude, determination and resilience and a side that comes up with a win out in France, which is not an easy place to win on any occasion, deserves to start the next match.

"Obviously we are mindful that the XV selected is dependent on injuries, with some players playing before next week, but if everyone comes through it will be the same XV.

"I thought Ryan (Jones) was outstanding in terms of his leadership and he will captain the side against Italy.

Sam (Warburton) is still feeling the stinger to some extent but it has improved but I just want to clarify that the team comes first and the way the team played, they deserve to start again."

Wales have recalled Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones into their Six Nations squad.

Jones, who has been capped 67 times by Wales, returned to action for his region last weekend and will link up with the squad today as they reconvene following their 16-6 victory in Paris against France.

The 27-year-old came off the bench for the Ospreys on Friday evening, after recovering from a shoulder injury he picked up during Wales’ autumn international campaign.